Just one day after receiving its first two C-130H airplanes, the Afghan air force conducted its first C-130H operational mission, according to NATO air advisors in Kabul. Advisors accompanied the AAF’s first two C-130 pilots on the flight from Kabul International Airport to Kandahar Airfield on Oct. 10, bringing several pallets of main landing gear parts for Mi-17 helicopters, along with maintenance gear and office supplies for the AAF’s Kandahar Air Wing, according to an Oct. 13 release from the advisors. “The fact that we already have the C-130s flying . . . is a big step,” said Maj. Chris Garcia, a coalition advisor. The C-130s will be the mainstay of AAF airlift capability. Before their arrival, the Afghans relied on C-208s and Mi-17s for aerial transport. “Today’s mission went very well. That’s a very good sign for Afghanistan and building the Afghan air force,” said AAF Col. Almal Pacha, one of the Afghan C-130 pilots. (Kabul report by Capt. Anastasia Wasem)
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.